Be sure to get the all important referrals and follow up with checking them out. Keep focus on your original desire and do not be sidetracked by other peoples' suggestions for your home. Remember the original reason you are doing the addition, how you will use the space and what the top five priorities are. Another thing to consider is to hire out all the individual contractors for your remodel yourself. For instance, you do the legwork and find a tile layer, you decide who you want to install your sink and garbage disposal and hook up the dishwasher. This may save you some money, but certainly will not save you any time. Even something as simple as choosing new knobs and handles for cabinets and drawers can freshen the look of your kitchen and make a dramatic difference in how you feel about spending time there. If you do decide to do a full kitchen remodel, consider that you can either be your own contractor, hiring different people to do specific pieces of work, or hire a remodeling company to oversee the entire project. Check out what it took to be certified in the area they say they are certified in. There is nothing wrong with interviewing candidates so set up times to go over the plans you have and see if you and the contractor are on the same page and he will be willing to work with your ideas and at the same time, offer some helpful ones of his own. The noise from shoes can create problems while others are talking or watching TV. Remember too that the kitchen is typically the busiest spot in the house so you want a floor that wears well too. With the kids and the animals it doesn't take long to wear the floor down, not to mention all the foot traffic and spills. Kitchens and Restoration in Vintage Homes Preservation of old homes is a favorite conversation of owners of vintage homes but rarely do you hear talk about a kitchen restored to its former glory. These beautiful historical homes we have grown to love and appreciate, did not have the kind of kitchens we expect today.